This weekend thousands of people in Dunedin took part in the Relay for Life, walking round and around a track with the aim of raising money for cancer research, Jan Aitken writes.
They are willing do this knowing the money they raise will help people they don't know from midday on Saturday until midday on Sunday.
This isn't the only day of the year New Zealanders will do something for others. There are thousands of Kiwis who voluntarily do something for others every day.
I have heard people ask, "Why would I give up my time for nothing?''
My initial response is, "Why wouldn't you?''
Where would we be without volunteers? The fire service, ambulance service, clubs, conservation groups, parents of schoolchildren, church groups, meals on wheels drivers, foodbanks ... the list is varied and almost endless.
There's a lot of unpaid work and assistance that keeps our communities ticking over.
With those "volunteer hours'' our communities are richer, safer and more caring places.
People volunteer for all sorts of reasons, and most do so without expecting any reward. Maybe they volunteer to support a cause close to their hearts or simply to engage in their community. Maybe they have a particular skill that they can share. Perhaps they want to help those who have had fewer opportunities than themselves.
People volunteer because it makes a difference. Because in a world of seemingly overwhelming need, it's a meaningful action the volunteer can offer to make something better.
People do not volunteer, it seems, because it benefits themselves.
There are, however, substantial benefits to volunteering that reward the volunteer. Did you know you can improve your life, and maybe even your health, by volunteering?
The benefits of volunteering are countless and it seems there are social, emotional, physical, and professional rewards.
Recent research shows our brains are wired to feel rewarded more for magnanimity than for meanness and selfishness.
Volunteering, acts of kindness and selflessness actually raise the levels of oxytocin, serotonin and dopamine circulating in our bodies - all "feel-good'' chemicals.
Volunteering helps to build social connections and we know those with more social connections live happier, healthier lives.
Loneliness levels decrease and self-esteem, confidence and feelings of self-worth increase.
Interestingly studies from the Journal of Gerontology indicate that social service improves elasticity in the brain in those who volunteer and they are at lower risk of developing Alzheimer's.
Older volunteers also benefit from getting out of the house, engaging with others, and moving physically. Purpose and collaboration result in mental health improvements and a better outlook on life.
Some studies have suggested those who volunteer are physically more active and suffer less heart disease.
Civic-mindedness has become an asset in the workplace.
Both career related and non-related volunteer work on a CV can showcase your skills, interests and values as well as indicating a willingness to work in a team. Employers look favourably on job applicants who have volunteered.
Sometimes, it's not possible to get out there among it.
There are other philanthropic ways to help out.
It can be incredibly overwhelming when we look at what organisations and causes need help. We cannot solve every issue at once.
Choose an organisation or issue that has meaning for you, make change, help out where you can.
Think big, start small.
Volunteering and freely giving your time, energy, and resources to people and causes around the world can create change on a global scale.
It is amazing to think your efforts can change the life of someone somewhere in your community, your city or even the world.
Something that is often overlooked, and maybe the best part, is that volunteering is just plain fun.
Jan Aitken is a Dunedin-based life coach.
For more go to www.fitforlifecoaches.co.nz.
Twitter:@jan-aitken
